public-safety

Spoke about his 70 years in the fire service, emphasizing the nationwide volunteer shortage and urging council to work collaboratively with fire companies.

Newportville Fire Company Battalion Chief Dawn Cummings defended the station, citing improved scratch times, new recruits, and resolved financial controls.

Newportville Deputy Chief Ryan Cummings asked council what facts justify closing their station given their measurable performance improvements and 25,000 annual volunteer hours.

Read a statement from a local paramedic warning that closing Newportville Fire Company would dangerously increase emergency response times.

Newportville Lieutenant Colin Sweeney spoke about low volunteer morale due to closure threats and the immense time commitment required for firefighter training.

Expressed gratitude for first responders after a past neighborhood fire and asked how polling places would be affected if the fire station closed.